Friday, March 03, 2006

It is very essential to watch what you eat and drink during pregnancy and choosing which herbs to take is as important. As I am progressing in my pregnancy I'm am looking more into the type of herbs that I can take, instead of always searching for my Ibuprofin when I have a leg cramp or back ache. (Aspirin and other drugs containing salicylate are not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the last three months).
For many years women have used herbs during their pregnancy. If taken correctly and using common sense, they are safe and successful. Health care providers have a list of herbs that they generally agree on as benefiting to women during pregnancy. Remember that taking a large amount of herbs can be harmful.
Below is a list of Herbs that I found that can be useful. Because we are pregnant it is always important to check with your health care provider about the use of herbs before taking them.
Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium)
-helps relieve leg cramps
-may help prevent possible miscarriage in the early stages of pregnancy
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
-helps ease symptoms of morning sickness, indigestion and gas
-high in calcium and potassium, therefore an excellent nervous system tonic
-calming, soothing and helps ease sleeplessness and lift the spirits
-gentle enough for babies suffering from colic, restlessness or teething
-effective for mild inflammations of joints
Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus)
-helps relax uterine muscles in the event of possible miscarriage
-reduces uterine bleeding during labor and postpartum
-should be used under the supervision of health care provider
Dandelion Root & Leaf (Taraxacum officinales)
-rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially Vitamin A, Calcium, potassium and iron
-the bitters in the leaves aid digestion
-leaves are mildly diuretic and helpful in edema or mild hypertension due to fluid retention
-root is a gentle laxative and useful for pregnancy constipation
-root nourishes the liver
Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris)
-tones the uterus
-reduces the possibility of hemorrhage during childbirth and postpartum
-helps ease postpartum depression
-helps relieve diarrhea
-(antagonizes the drug pitocin)
Lavender (Lavandula officinalis)
-calming for nervous tension and stress
-antiseptic for perineal tears postpartum (do not apply oil undiluted)
-avoid high doses
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
-calming—relaxes the nervous system and helps relieve insomnia, irritability and restlessness
-elevating—helps ease depression and anxiety
-aids digestion and relieve gas
-mild antihistamine action
Marshmallow (Althea officinale)
-very mild mucilaginous herb
-eases symptoms of heartburn and indigestion
-soothing to the genitourinary system and cystitis
-eases bronchitis and coughs
Nettle (Urtica dioica)
-rich source of vitamins K, A, C and the minerals calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iron and others
-pregnancy tonic because of its high vitamin and mineral content and its ability to help prevent postpartum hemorrhage
-aids and restores a woman’s vitality following birth
-increases the richness and amount of breast milk
-helps relieve the symptoms of hay fever
-mild natural diuretic effect
Squaw Vine, also known as Partridge Berry, (Mitchella repens)
-considered a valuable late pregnancy tonic
-helps tone the uterus to prepare for birth during the last 4-6 weeks of pregnancy, especially when mixed with red raspberry leaf to promote easier childbirth
-mild diuretic action
Oats and oat straw (Avena sativa)
-nutritive and very rich in calcium and magnesium—highly beneficial during pregnancy all three pregnancy trimesters
-calming to the nervous system—helps relieve restlessness, anxiety and tension
-used in a bath, it helps moisturize and relieve itchy skin (such as caused by stretch marks)
Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
-helps relieve nausea, especially morning sickness and flatulence
-avoid high doses during pregnancy
Red Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus)
-helps improve uterine tone and blood supply
-improves contractions during labor
-helps prevent postpartum hemorrhage
-a rich source of vitamin A, B-1, C and E, calcium, iron, potassium and phosphorus
-is thought to ease morning sickness and improve digestion
-improves diarrhea
-is a galactagogue (increases breast milk production)
-helps restore vitality postpartum
Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra, or Ulmus fulva)
-soothing mucilaginous herb eases mucous membranes of the entire gastrointestinal tract
-eases inflammation of the mouth, throat, stomach, intestines, bladder and urethra
-can be used during pregnancy for heartburn, nausea, colds or vaginal irritations
Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa)
-helps ease uterine spasms and prevent miscarriage
-use under the guidance of a qualified health care provider
pregnancybabypregnantnew bornchildreninfantweeklypregnancy weeklymaternityexpectingdue dateparentinglabormothernewbornfertilityparentschildbirthfamilyherbsmedicineherbs during pregnancy

Thursday, March 02, 2006

To be quite honest I just assumed that I would give birth in a hospital close to where I live in San Francisco. Never had I thought about traveling to another country, nor did I consider having a different type of labor, like a "water birth." These are two things rumored about Angelina Jolie.
It is definitely interesting to see how other pregnant woman wish to give birth. Maybe I should think of something more creative. At home? Yeah,... maybe not. I'm just a really careful person and I'm nervous that something might happen and a hospital is where I need to be. God forbid that anything would happen!
Considering that you are Angelina Jolie with boyfriend and father of her baby, Brad Pitt, craziness could be just something of the normal to them. Considering that money and fame help play in the decisions that are made.
I'm actually a big fan of what she is doing with her life and her children. She has talked the talk at the UN and she is walking the walk by adopting children from less than fortunate situations, and giving them a prosperous life. Who will probably one day try to become famous by acting in a movie or have several attempts in failed rock bands. At least hunger and shelter won't be an issue for them.
She is clearly making a statement by having her first child born in a third world country. She is bringing her children together and creating commonality among them. Her biological child will be born in a third world country as well. That is extremely thoughtful, she is considering the thoughts and feelings of her children.
pregnancybabypregnantnew bornchildreninfantweeklypregnancy weeklymaternityexpectingdue dateparentinglabormothernewbornparentschildbirthfamilyAnglina JolieAngelinabirth placeafrica

Wednesday, March 01, 2006

I have a thing for bubble baths. I usually take one on a relaxing Sunday and I ALWAYS take one after a stressful day. Bubble baths just hit the spot and relax my mind and body. I love adding fragrant body care scents from Bath and Body Works, such as Gardenia, Cherry Blossom and Coconut Lime Verbena are my favorites. I just recently tried the bath confetti and I thought it was so much fun.
I was talking to my mother about the new bath confetti and she told me to be careful not to take really hot showers since I'm pregnant. She knows how much I love a hot bath, so much that when I get out my feet are glowing red, which always draws my husband's attention with a comment or two. After her information I began to look online to see if what she was saying was true and hot baths are something to avoid.
I found this information and I think its important to share.
Both baths and showers are fine to take during pregnancy, but very hot baths, hot tubs, and saunas can be harmful to the fetus, or cause you to faint. You also might want to avoid taking frequent bubble baths or baths with perfumed products that might irritate your vaginal area, and increase your risk of a urinary tract infection or yeast infection. Do not use douches, even vinegar-based douches, without first talking with your doctor. Although vaginal discharge tends to be heavier during pregnancy, you should see your doctor if you have vaginal itching, burning or a heavy discharge. You could have a urinary tract infection, yeast infection, viral or bacterial infection that needs treatment.
I guess I will be taking it easy with my sacred, soothing bubble baths that I just enjoy so very much. I'll take them less frequently, without fragrances, and not so deathly hot for the sake of my baby and my health.
pregnancybabypregnantnew bornchildreninfantweeklypregnancy weeklymaternityexpectingdue dateparentinglabormothernewbornfertilitybubble bathsbathsbathingfamilyavoid

Tuesday, February 28, 2006

Actual Australian Court Docket 12659
- Case of the Pregnant Lady:
A lady about 8 months pregnant got on a bus. She noticed the man opposite her was smiling at her. She immediately moved to another seat. This time his smile turned into a grin, so she moved again. Then the man seemed even more amused. When on the fourth move, the man burst out laughing, she complained to the driver and he had the man arrested. The case came up in court. The judge asked the man (about 20 years old) what he had to say for himself. He replied, "Well your honor, it was like this: When the lady got on the bus, I couldn't help but notice her condition. She satdown under a sign that said, 'The Double Mint Twins are Coming' and I grinned. "Then she moved and sat under a sign that said,'Logan's Liniment will Reduce the Swelling,' and I had to smile.Then she placed herself under a deodorant sign thatsaid, 'William's Big Stick Did The Trick' and I could hardly containmyself. BUT, your honor, when she moved the fourth time and sat under a sign that said 'Goodyear Rubber couldhave prevented this accident' ... I just lost it.
pregnancybabypregnantinfantweeklypregnancy weeklymaternityexpectingdue dateparentinglabormothernewbornfertilityparentschildbirthfamilyjokefunny

Monday, February 27, 2006

Reaching my 12 weeks of pregnancy, I have been looking at the different styles of maternity clothing. What a fashionable time to be pregnant! Don't you think? Agreeably, in maternity style, there's never been a better time to be pregnant! The styles are gorgeous that even the women who aren't pregnant are jealous. Gwen Stefani, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Angelina Jolie help make it cool to be pregnant and sexy.
There have been more places to shop and a larger selection of maternity fashion. No longer do pregnant women have to look older when they dress, wearing baggy clothing and covering up completely. They can be sexy in a skin-tight shirt and low rise jeans. They can go beyond what was available even five years ago!
Pregnant women have nothing to hide. Its a beautiful thing to see them showing off their bellies. So, go on women and show off those curves! Spring is coming along quickly and there's nothing to hide from! Don't cover up, wear something flattering and fitting that doesn't hide your proudest moment in your life.
Here are a few Maternity Clothing Links:
http://www.mimimaternity.comhttp://www.motherhood.com/http://www.maternitymall.com/pregnancybabypregnantnew bornchildreninfantweeklypregnancy weeklymaternityexpectingdue dateparentinglabormothernewbornfertilityparentschildbirthfamilyclothingfashionstyle